Every autumn, the town of Bellegarde comes alive with the famous October Festival. A true local institution, this iconic event is part of the village's identity and soul. Inherited from a strong agricultural past, this traditional festival celebrates Camargue traditions, bullfighting culture, and the art of living in the Terre d'Argence region.
The October Festival was once an essential trade fair following the harvest. Today, it's a festive, friendly, and authentic event that brings together locals, visitors, and enthusiasts of Camargue culture. Between abrivados (bull runs), bull sorting, abrivado competitions, and traditional breakfasts, let yourself be swept away by the unique atmosphere of this popular festival.
Origin and history of the October Festival
Originally, the October Festival of Bellegarde It was a large trade fair held after the agricultural harvests. As in many villages in the south of France, this fair marked the end of the fieldwork. This fair lasted four days.
In October, in Land of ArgenceThe harvest is over, the grape harvest is complete, and the table grape harvest is drawing to a close. This period symbolizes a welcome break before preparing the land for winter. The fair traditionally began around October 15th, in coordination with the neighboring municipality of Saint-Gilles, which held its own fair immediately afterward.
At the beginning of the 20th century, festive activities enriched the event: popular dances, sporting challenges and bullfighting events were gradually added to the trade fair.
Over the decades, the commercial aspect diminished in importance while the Camargue festivities grew in scale. The October fair then became the famous Fête d'Octobre that we know today.
The traditional Barjac breakfast
In the 1970s, the Pierre Aubanel herd settled on the Barjac estate, near Saint-Gilles. Very quickly, the herdsman became involved in the festivities. He led his Camargue bulls across the fields to the Bellegarde arenas for the Camargue races.
Before this iconic journey, the herdsmen, cattle breeders and young people from the village would gather at dawn around a convivial breakfast: grilled sausages, sharing and good cheer kicked off the festivities.
These same young people then traveled through the city on the famous "festival cars". These decorated cars announced the arrival of the herd and the official opening of the festival.
This is how the traditional Barjac breakfast came about. Today, it's one of the most anticipated highlights of the October Festival. Later, this tradition was taken over and organized by the municipality.
Highlights of the October Festival
Bull sorting and Barjac breakfasts
Barjac's breakfasts retain all their authenticity. Even though the party cars are gone, the atmosphere remains unchanged: conviviality, traditions, and grilled sausages are still on the menu. It's also a unique opportunity to witness the sorting of the bulls live, a highlight and spectacular moment in Camargue culture.
The long abrivados
For sports and tradition enthusiasts, the abrivados longues are particularly impressive events. Every Saturday morning, you can join them on foot, by bike, or on foot:
- the long abrivado of Barjac
- the abrivado at the Guinguette (Wednesday morning)
These routes allow you to follow the Camargue cowboys and bulls in a festive and popular atmosphere.
The abrivado competition
The abrivado competition takes place during the first two Sundays of the festival, with a grand final held on the third Sunday. Four herds of bulls compete each Sunday in the village streets. These herds offer an intense spectacle combining the skill of the mounted herdsmen, the power of the bulls, and the adrenaline rush of the escapes. This event attracts many enthusiasts of bullfighting traditions every year and is one of the major highlights of the October Festival.
Why come to the October Festival in Bellegarde?
Participating in the October Festival in Bellegarde means experiencing an authentic immersion in Camargue traditions, discovering the living heritage of the Terre d'Argence region, and sharing a unique moment with the locals. Blending heritage, folklore, bullfighting culture, and conviviality, this popular festival remains one of the major autumn events between Provence and the Camargue.
An event not to be missed for all lovers of local traditions and authentic village festivals.
When does the October Festival take place in Bellegarde?
The October Festival takes place every year in October in Bellegarde, usually over several weekends around October 15th, the historical date of the traditional fair.
Why is the October Festival famous in Bellegarde?
The October Festival is one of the most iconic events of BellegardeIt celebrates Camargue traditions, the agricultural history of the village and bullfighting culture with abrivados, abrivado competitions and festive entertainment.
Can we witness the sorting of the bulls during the festival?
Yes, the sorting of the bulls is one of the highlights of the October Festival. This authentic moment allows you to observe the herdsmen and guardians preparing the Camargue bulls before the bullfighting events.
What is an abrivado?
The abrivado is a Camargue tradition during which the gardians on horseback accompany the bulls from one point to another, often to the arena. During the October Festival, several long abrivados are organized in the streets and paths around Bellegarde.
Is the abrivado competition open to the public?
Yes, the abrivado competition is a free event open to the public. Several herds compete in the village streets during an impressive spectacle combining traditions, horses and Camargue bulls.
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